Electors invited to meet candidates

A QUESTION time session will enable Bognor Regis electors to find out more about their candidates.

The town’s civic society has arranged the event to mark the three by-elections which are taking place later this month.

Two of the polls are to fill vacancies on Bognor Regis Town Council – in Marine and Hatherleigh wards.

The third will elect a member of Arun District Council in Marine ward.

Voting in all the by-elections is taking place from 7am-10pm on February 22.

The civic society’s deputy chairman, Hugh Coster, said it believed a public meeting was needed to allow residents of those areas the chance to question candidates who were seeking to represent them.

Seven hopefuls have been nominated to fill the three available seats.

“This multiple elexction is potentially very confusing for electors,” said Mr Coster, “and we wish to help the public understand who is standing for what, and what the views and attitudes of the various councillors are.

“Most particularly, many people will want to know how the candidates will approach the task of representing them, what their aspirations are for the town, and whether they have the knowledge and ability to do the job.”

The meeting will take place at 7pm next Tuesday in the Regis Centre, in Belmont Street, and entry is free.

All the election hopefuls have been invited to attend. Some are attempting to win a seat on both councils.

Mr Coster said: “There will be lots of opportunities for public questions and we have no doubt that some of the important issues recently highlighted in the local press will come up.

“It should be a very interesting and useful meeting and everybody is invited, whether a ward elector or not.”

Four candidates have come forward to become one of the district councillors for Marine ward.